New data collected by the Entertainment Software Association and YouGov reveals that more than 190 million Americans play video games for at least an hour a week.
According to the survey, 53% of gamers self-identified as male, 46% female, and 1% identified as non-binary or chose not to identify their gender.
The adults who participated in the survey were 75% white, 19% Hispanic, 12% black, 4% Asian/Pacific Islander, and 3% Native American, which is fairly close to the racial breakdown of the overall U.S. population.
The majority of respondents believe that video games are fun, mentally stimulating, and help relieve stress. They also believe games can help improve cognition, problem-solving skills, and cooperation with teammates.
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Overall, 44% of respondents ranked video games as one of their most important forms of entertainment. Most play to relax or have fun, and many have stated that nostalgia has had a big influence on what and how they play.
This year, for the first time, the ESA included people aged between 18 and 5 in its survey. The results showed that Generation Alpha, or her 5- to 10-year-old children, were the cohort most likely to play the game every week. Gen Alpha and Gen Z were also the most likely to play on a console or computer.
However, polls show that the average player is now 36 years old and has been in the game for 17 years. The ESA says this is good evidence that gaming has become a lifelong hobby for many people. Although the propensity to play decreases with age, even one in three Silent Generation members aged 78 and over still play for more than an hour a week, the ESA found.
“Video games have been ingrained in American life and culture for generations,” said Stanley Pierre-Louis, president and CEO of ESA. “I embrace the positivity that it brings to life.” ”
